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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of Keele's data landscape into a proactive, data-led culture.
- Company: Keele University, committed to diversity and equity in opportunities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on teaching, learning, and research through strategic data management.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in driving change and collaboration.
- Other info: Agile working considered; diverse candidates encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Director, Central Data Service will lead the strategic transformation of Keele’s data landscape. You will lead the development understanding of data within the institution from a mainly reactive ‘report-producing’ and compliance-oriented to a proactive ‘data-led’ culture. As the University’s chief data strategist, you will oversee the entire data lifecycle—from developing processes to ensure the fixing of root‑cause quality issues at the source to ensuring a data infrastructure capable of supporting AI aspirations, to deploying advanced visualization tools that empower academic and professional leaders to make real‑time, evidence‑based decisions.
Our data should be used for the benefit of our teaching and learning, and our research, as such it needs management and governance to enable as well as to protect. You will ensure that while our statutory obligations remain impeccable, our data is treated as a strategic asset that drives institutional development and student success. This role will act as the primary contact point to ensure the University develops a coherent approach to Data Services whilst recognising the different requirements across education, research and professional services.
As such the ideal candidate will have good communication skills, evidential experience of driving change, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to collaborative working.
Benefits:
- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Excellent staff pension scheme
- Access to continued personal, professional and career development
- On‑site ‘outstanding’ nursery
- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
- Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Agile working (blend of home and office based) would be considered for this role
- Some out of hours working will be required in this role
The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. Keele University values diversity and is committed to ensuring equity of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision‑making groups. The University particularly welcomes expressions of interest and applications from women and from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, for this post.
Director, Central Data Service in Silverdale employer: Keele University
Contact Detail:
Keele University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Central Data Service in Silverdale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Keele University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience in transforming data landscapes. We want to see how you’ve driven change and made data a strategic asset in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research Keele’s current data initiatives and think about how you can contribute. We love candidates who come prepared with ideas on how to enhance their data services and support their AI aspirations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our values of diversity and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Central Data Service in Silverdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Vision: When applying for the Director role, make sure to highlight your strategic vision for transforming data landscapes. We want to see how you can shift from a reactive to a proactive data culture, so share specific examples of your past experiences in driving such changes.
Emphasise Collaboration: This role is all about teamwork! Be sure to showcase your collaborative skills and how you've worked with different departments in the past. We love seeing candidates who can bridge gaps between education, research, and professional services.
Demonstrate Data Governance Knowledge: Since data management and governance are key aspects of this position, include any relevant experience you have in these areas. We’re looking for someone who understands how to treat data as a strategic asset while ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Keele University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keele University
✨Understand the Data Landscape
Before your interview, dive deep into Keele's current data practices. Familiarise yourself with their existing data infrastructure and any recent initiatives they've undertaken. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to transforming their data culture.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully driven change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing processes that address root-cause quality issues and how you've implemented data governance frameworks. This will show that you have the practical skills needed to lead Keele’s strategic transformation.
✨Communicate Collaboratively
Since this role requires a lot of collaboration, practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. Think about how you can engage different stakeholders across education, research, and professional services. Being able to convey complex data concepts in an accessible way will be key to your success.
✨Prepare for Evidence-Based Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you would empower academic and professional leaders to make real-time decisions using data. Bring examples of advanced visualisation tools you've used or developed in the past, and how they contributed to evidence-based decision-making. This will illustrate your capability as a chief data strategist.